Zidane hails Real’s `big efforts` after reaching CL finals

Madrid : Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has hailed his team’s efforts and said he is bursting with pride after the club stormed into the finals of the Champions League following their 1-0 aggregate win over Manchester City.

City midfielder Fernando struck a goal in his own net to help Real Madrid reach their 14th European Cup finals.

Reflecting on the match, the Frenchman said he was well aware that the game against City would not be an easy one, but added that he was glad to see his team’s resilient performance.

“We knew that it would be difficult, but finally we’re in the final. I’m happy with the work of all my players,” Zidane was quoted as saying by goal.com.

Zidane also expressed his delight over the constant support which he and his entire team had been receiving from their home crowd.

“The crowd at the Bernabeu is always special for us and the fans helped in a difficult match from the first minute. They suffered with us until the end,” he added.

The match also saw star striker Cristiano Ronaldo make a comeback after missing two games with a thigh injury.

“Cristiano was focused on his work – he even helped in defence. That’s thanks to all the team. My team made a big effort and if we had lost this match, it wouldn’t be a failure,” said Zidane.

Talking about their final match, the 43-year-old manager said that it would provide an equal chance for both sides to achieve the Champions League glory.

Real Madrid will meet Atletico Madrid in the summit showdown on May 29. (ANI)